Radical Self-relianceBurning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

I've been noticing a lot of people making statements that it is radical self reliance to ask other people for help. I don't think there is anything wrong with asking for help, but I have to say I don't see how that can be called radical self reliance. Am I the only one that is bothered by this? Does someone who thinks that is radical self reliance have a good explanation for me? I can see how asking for help falls under some of the other principles, but radical self reliance?

Radical self-reliance is code for "don't expect anything to be provided for you unless you've secured it yourself." So don't expect help, even if many people are willing to render it. Remember, that you can always ask; just don't expect. In terms of the event, it's a disclaimer to avoid the expectation that anything will be provided other than bathrooms and some medical services.

Some of the "principles" have partial roots in the required policies that have become part of running an event such as Burning Man. "Leave No Trace" is to fall within BLM land use guidelines, and avoid extra work on part of the event organizers; plus people generally don't want to have the land wrecked. "Decommodification"/"Gifting" prevents commercial interests from affecting the event, and all the stuff that comes with it taxation, regulations, catering, etc. "Radical Self-Reliance" avoids having to provide costly infrastructure for a 50k+ population event, while staying true to its camp-out-in-the-desert roots.

TomServo wrote:Do the research, then ask questions. simple as that! No one ever said "Radical Research Skills!"

That's also the way to avoid stupid questions!

"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens

Radical Self-relianceBurning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

I've been noticing a lot of people making statements that it is radical self reliance to ask other people for help. I don't think there is anything wrong with asking for help, but I have to say I don't see how that can be called radical self reliance. Am I the only one that is bothered by this? Does someone who thinks that is radical self reliance have a good explanation for me? I can see how asking for help falls under some of the other principles, but radical self reliance?

I can't remember instances of people saying that asking for help is a form radical self-reliance. However, I would disagree with that if I saw it.

What I've seen many people say, on the other hand, is that you should do your damnedest not need anyone else's help . . . but if you are in dire straits, ask. And that's very different.

*** 2013 Survival Guide ***"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger

I go out there and if no one else showed up, I'd be living large. Boku self-reliance. I could take a bath in the beer. The creativity, surprise, wonder, gifts, food, drinks, hugs, kisses that the people bring is a bonus. Included with that humanity is compassion and empathy, bringing help and aid if I need it. But I'm not planning on that, I'm planning to bring it.

Lonesomebri wrote:I go out there and if no one else showed up, I'd be living large. Boku self-reliance. I could take a bath in the beer. The creativity, surprise, wonder, gifts, food, drinks, hugs, kisses that the people bring is a bonus. Included with that humanity is compassion and empathy, bringing help and aid if I need it. But I'm not planning on that, I'm planning to bring it.

That's exactly right! That's how I do it, I'd be 100% covered even if nobody else showed up. But I'd be bored, and leave.

GreyCoyote: "At this rate it wont be long before he is Admiral Fukkit."